The Ultimate Guide to Shopping at Nordstrom on a Budget

Shared on April 29, 2018This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. See the disclosure policy for more information.

If you are not a regular shopper, you may be under the impression that it doesn’t work with a frugal budget. Or everything is overpriced. Or “Why in the world would I shop there when I can get something similar at Target for half the price?”

I used to be a bargain shopper and still am on occasion when I am just looking for something to take on vacation or need something this minute and don’t have time to wait for shipping. But the bulk of my closet are quality pieces from that have stood the test of time and wash and wear well. You know, they actually fit and flatter.

By shopping strategically at Nordstrom and spending a few extra dollars up front, you could end up spending less and love your closet even more than if you shopped the clearance racks at the mall for clothes you sort of like.

I know some of you will quit reading this post right now because you have your shopping style and your routine and that’s fine. But I would imagine most of us would agree that quality almost exclusively beats bottom of the barrel prices or sheer quantity. I would rather have five great tops that fit well and LAST than 20 shirts that kind of fit if I tug them down all day or don’t raise my arms over my head, right?

Here are a few basic Nordstrom shopping tips:

Everything always ships free and returns are free (and EASY). Online returns can also be done in a store.

If something isn’t available in your size in the store or online, they will do their best to track it down and ship it to you for free! The generous help is the most incredible part.

Nordstrom is amazing about price adjustments and make them super easy. Within two weeks of your purchase, if they reduce the price of the item you purchased, call their 800 number and they will do a one-time price adjustment to your credit card.

Because of their generous and amazing return policy, this is the only place to buy shoes. If they hurt your feet a month after you buy them, return them. If they break a year after you buy them, they’ll fix them. They will also clean scuffed boots and teach you how to do it at home. If you have feet that are two different sizes, they will fit you in two different sizes and honor returns/exchanges as if they were a fully-matched pair.

They have a new focus on Nordstrom Rack stores. This means there are now Racks in more locations then they had in the past. The selection is good, the prices are similar to what you would see at their sales, and it’s available all-year round. You’ll see brands discounted that you won’t see discounted anywhere else. If you need a men’s suit, this is the ONLY place to go! for Nordstrom Rack locations.

What about the sales?

Nordstrom sales are predictable (they typically happen at the same time of year) and easy to navigate. They even post the dates up to a year in advance. You can go to the for current sale date information.

Half-Yearly Sales

Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids – runs mid to late May

Half-Yearly Sale for Men – runs mid to late June

Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids – early November

Half-Yearly Sale for Men – early December

The Half-Yearly sales are basically discounted merchandise on more seasonal items. For example, you will see summer/fall type items on the sale starting in November.

Throughout the year, has items marked down in each department (usually always on one or two racks, not spread through the department) but during the Half-Yearly they pull it all out! Insider Tip: They usually actually put it out the few days before the sales starts. If you want the best pick of selection and sizes go early.

Anniversary Sale

The runs from the end of July to beginning of August and consists of preseason items that aren’t being clearanced but are the fall/winter items available in summer at AMAZING prices. Generally, the same brands are featured every year so you can predict what’s coming.

The prices at the Anniversary Sale are typically the lowest we will see on select items from Natori, Zella, Nike, tons of denim brands and so much more. Once these items sell out, they are generally gone as they only stock a limited amount.

will receive early access to these Anniversary Sale items and will get first pick of colors and sizes. There is generally more than enough for those that don’t hold a Nordstrom card, but it is so worth it for those items that sell out super quickly.

Join our that will start ramping up just a bit before the Anniversary Sale every year. We share up to the minute deals, top price drops, tried and tested favorites, even pictures from the dressing room during the Sale.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

Nordstrom typically marks their sale items down an additional 20%+ off during their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. These items sell like hotcakes so DO NOT miss this sale. Tons of our favorite brands were included at prices that beat even the Half-Yearly and Anniversary sales!

Price Matching

Several times throughout the year, Nordstrom will quietly from other major retailers. We generally see the higher-end brands go on sale like Clarins, Estee Lauder, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Clinique and more.

If you find an item you purchase at a similar retailer for a lower price, they will also offer a price match adjustment to your credit card. They won’t match items from discount stores or auction-type sites, but other retailers like Macy’s, Bloomingdales or other similar stores.

Nordstrom Rewards

allows you to earn points on your purchases and it’s free to sign up! Earn 1 point for every dollar spent and 2,000 points will earn you a $20 Nordstrom Note (like a gift card to be spent in-store or online). The more points you earn, the more bonuses and exclusive offers you unlock. They even run double and triple reward points events, which will get you to your Nordstrom Notes even faster!

Nordstrom credit card holders can earn TWO points for every dollar! There are , one will earn you points just at Nordstrom and one will earn points on all purchases (2x points at Nordstrom, 1x point with all other purchases).

Brands to Love

A few of the many brands we love (for the quality, price, style and fit) from Nordstrom:

– THE BEST LEGGINGS IN ALL OF THE LAND

Other things to love about besides the customer service, which is honestly INCREDIBLE:

Free inserts for your shoes and they’ll stretch them if they are too tight

If you have Nordstrom Notes which will expire soon, have them converted to a gift card – Nordstrom gift cards never expire. Also, if an item is sold out online and not available in your local store, provide a sales associate with the online item number and ask them to do a store search – if it’s available at any Nordstrom store, it’ll show up.

If you have an associate who has been extra helpful, try to have that person help you each time – most of the associates work solely on commission.

I honestly don’t have much info on Nordstrom Rack and we won’t be posting much about them. I don’t have a Rack in my area so I am primarily a Nordstrom shopper. Because of the steep discounts, I would have to assume that they aren’t going to be anywhere near as lenient as Nordstrom is with returns and quality guarantees.

It looks like they have a pretty traditional return policy, but 90 days is more generous than most.

Having second thoughts? No worries—we’re here to help! If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return your eligible items by mail or to your nearest Nordstrom Rack store within 90 days of the original ship date.

Apparel, footwear and accessories (bags, sunglasses, leather goods, jewelry and watches) may be returned unless the item is marked Final Sale or Non-Returnable
Items must be returned within 90 days
Items must be returned in their original packaging, including hangers, hang tags, dust bags, eyewear cases, shoe boxes and gift boxes when applicable
Items must not be worn, altered or damaged

Some (many?) of their discounts aren’t that steep. I was at the Rack last night, shoe shopping. I found a pair of dansko sandals on clearance (!!) and got them for $25 (reg price $85). But I was also looking at a pair of converse… priced at $40 (still available at Nordstrom for $50). $10 is a nice savings, but I’m thinking it would be better to pay $10 more for the guarantee.

I agree with your strategies for shopping Nordstrom. I have been very disappointed with Nordstrom Rack in the last few years (are they now owned by a different company than Nordstrom?) I feel like there are more clothes made for the rack (of less quality) than clothes coming to the rack from Nordstrom. So the deals at the rack don’t seem as good as they use to. And the basic service at the cash register is subpar at the Clackamas store.